Baked Creamy Feta Risoni Recipe

Craving a dish that's both incredibly flavorful and effortlessly simple? This Baked Creamy Feta Risoni is your answer—picture perfectly cooked pasta embraced by a luscious, tangy feta sauce.

Get ready to discover a new weeknight favorite that will disappear in minutes!

Ingredients

I know you're keen to know what you'll need, so let's get straight to the ingredients for this Baked Creamy Feta Risoni! You'll require 1 tbsp of olive oil—the good stuff, naturally. Then, grab 1 diced onion; don't cry too much!

Next, you'll want 2 cloves of minced garlic– because everything's better with garlic! A cup of risoni pasta, a Mediterranean staple! Measure out 1.5 cups of chicken broth for that savory depth. You could also try couscous as a healthy substitute.

Now, for the stars: 4.5 oz of feta cheese—try not to eat it all beforehand, I know it's tempting!! You'll need a pinch of red pepper flakes for that subtle kick. And don't forget salt and pepper to taste; season like you mean it! Finally, a handful of fresh parsley for garnish– because presentation matters, darling!

Instructions

Now, let's get this show on the road! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, in a 9×13" baking dish, toss 1 pound of risoni pasta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dish, like baked ziti, offers a straightforward approach to crafting a satisfying meal.

Next, add 3 cups of chicken broth – or vegetable broth if you're feeling veggie! – and a can of diced tomatoes. Crumble 4 ounces of feta cheese over the top, but don't go overboard! We want some to melt and some to stay chunky.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Take off the foil, stir it all up – don't be shy! – and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce is creamy. Serve it hot; trust me; it's the best way!

Recipe Notes

Serving this dish hot from the oven is fantastic – no doubt about it! The baked feta creates such a creamy sauce.

Don't skip the feta! Seriously—some of it melts down all nice and gooey to make the creamy sauce, and some stays in salty nuggets. Trust me, it's the best!

Feel free to experiment with different veggies! I think broccoli or mushrooms would work great in here.

If you want to add protein, cooked chicken—about 1 1/2 cups—would be perfect! Just stir it in before baking.

And hey, if you're feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before you pop it in the oven. You won't regret it!

Serving Suggestions

Let's talk about serving this creamy, dreamy Risoni—because who doesn't love options? I usually serve it as a main course, especially for a cozy night in.

But hey, don't box yourself in; it goes great as a side too! Think grilled chicken or a juicy steak—yum! I'd suggest adding a vibrant green salad alongside it to make it a fuller meal that's really well-balanced.

Wanna get fancy? A sprinkle of fresh herbs—parsley or basil—adds a pop of color and freshness. Or, for extra zing, try a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. Trust me; it makes a difference. Just use about 1-2 teaspoons of juice.